Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Use Disorder:

Cannabis:

In Cannabis use diorder, Cannabis is derive from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, which has several varieties named after the region in which it is found (e.g. sativa indica in India and Pakistan, and americana in America).

Cannabis Use Disorder:

Cannabis produces more than 400 identifiable chemicals of which about 50 are cannabinoids, the most active being Δ-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC). The pistillate form of the female plant is more important in cannabis production. Recently, a Gi-protein (inhibitory G-protein) linked cannabinoid receptor has found (in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebellum) which inhibits the a denylate cyclase activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Cannabis produces a very mild physical dependence, with a relatively mild withdrawal syndrome, which is characterise by;

Fine tremors

Irritability

Restlessness

Nervousness

Insomnia

Decreased appetite and craving

This syndrome begins within few hours of stopping cannabis use and lasts for 4 to 5 days. However, some health professionals feel that there is no true physical dependence with cannabis.

On the other hand, psychological dependence ranges from mild (occasional ‘trips’) to marked (compulsive use). All the active ingredients called as marijuana or marihuana. It can detected in urine for up to 3 weeks after chronic heavy use.

Acute Intoxication:

Mild cannabis intoxication is characterise by mild impairment of consciousness and orientation, lightheadedness, tachycardia, a sense of ﬂoating in the air, a euphoric dream-like state, alternation (either an increase or decrease) in psychomotor activity and tremors, in addition to photophobia, lacrimation, tachycardia, reddening of conjunctiva, dry mouth and increased appetite.

Mild cannabis intoxication releases inhibitions, which is expressed in words and emotions rather than in actions.

There is often a curious splitting of consciousness, in which the user seems to observe his own intoxication as a non-participant observer, along with a feeling that time is slowed down.

Perceptual disturbances are common and can include depersonalisation, derealisation, synaesthesias (sensation in one sensory modality caused by a sensation in another sensory modality, e.g. ‘seeing’ the music) and increased sensitivity to sound. However, hallucinations are seen only in marked to severe intoxication. These are often visual, ranging from elementary ﬂashes of lights and geometrical ﬁgures to complex human faces and pictures.

‘Flashback phenomenon’ has characterised by a recurrence of cannabis use experience in the absence of current cannabis use.

2. A motivational syndrome:

Chronic cannabis use is postulated to cause lethargy, apathy, loss of interest, anergia, reduced drive and lack of ambition. The aetiological role of cannabis in this disorder is however far from proven.

3. ‘Hemp insanity’ or cannabis psychosis:

It was described as being similar to an acute schizophreniform disorder with disorientation and confusion, and with a good prognosis. The validity of this speciﬁc disorder is currently doubted.

4. Other complications:

Chronic cannabis use sometimes leads to memory impairment, worsening or relapse in schizophrenia or mood disorder, chronic obstructive air way disease, pulmonary malignancies, alteration in both the humoral and cell-mediated immunity, decreased testosterone levels, anovulatory cycles, reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis, blockade of gonadotropin releasing hormone, and increased risk for the developing foetus (if taken during pregnancy).